Port Wentworth Theft Crime Lawyer

The legal team at Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. understands how complex and overwhelming a theft charge can be. Criminal charges can be traumatizing, especially if you don’t have a plan in place on how to face them head-on. You may not know how to handle a situation like this. Whether you’re dealing with charges related to domestic violence, a drug crime, aggravated assault, or another offense, reaching out to a Port Wentworth criminal defense lawyer is the right option. They can set expectations, explain the courses of action available to you, and help you establish your first steps.

Dealing With Theft Charges in Georgia

Port Wentworth lies within Chatham County, where there were over 1,000 arrests for theft and larceny in 2023, with another 176 arrests for motor vehicle theft. Port Wentworth itself has a fairly significant theft rate of 936.5 per 100,000 residents, which is below the state and national average, but not by much.

If you are facing the stress of criminal charges, you may want to consider reaching out to a Stress Management Group like the ones that meet up in nearby Savannah.

According to Georgia Code § 16-8-2, a person commits theft when they intentionally take someone else’s property without intending to return it. The most important part of the prosecution’s case against you in a theft case is intent. If they cannot prove intent, it may severely harm their case.

On the other hand, if your lawyer can prove a lack of intent, it may be enough to dismiss the charges or at least result in a plea bargain. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Getting Arrested for Theft in Port Wentworth

Getting arrested can be an embarrassing experience, especially if it happens in front of your family, friends, neighbors, or work colleagues. It may be enough to change how certain people perceive you, and rebuilding your reputation can be a difficult process. Upon arrest, you may feel like you’ve already lost; however, that is not the case. An arrest is only the beginning of your case. Be sure to exercise your constitutional rights at all times.

Make sure you exercise your right to retain legal counsel and your right to remain silent. It’s vital to your case that you don’t admit anything to the police and that you get a lawyer as soon as possible. The police may try to intimidate or even guilt you into admitting fault, which may mean their case against you isn’t as solid as you’ve been led to believe. Continue to ask for your lawyer. Once they arrive, let them talk for you.

Potential Defenses Against a Theft Charge

When you decide to hire a theft crime lawyer to represent you, you are prioritizing your defense, which is paramount in a criminal case. Your lawyer’s most important contribution to your case will be a strong defense strategy.

Here are some possible defenses you can potentially use to fight the charges against you:

• Lack of Intent: Your strongest defense may be to claim a lack of intent. It’s only considered theft if you intend to steal it. If you can prove that you never intended to steal and the whole thing is a misunderstanding, that can go a long way toward a victory. You may claim you accidentally took the item, believing it belonged to you, or that you borrowed it with the intent to return it.
• Permission: Another defense you may attempt to use is that you were given permission to take the item by the item’s legal owner. If the owner changes their mind later and you are unaware, the initial grant of permission does not change.

FAQs

Q: How Do I Get Out of a Felony Theft Charge?

A: If you want to get out of a felony theft charge, the very first thing you should do is contact a theft crime lawyer who can help you mount a strong defense. These charges aren’t just going to go away. You have to fight them with everything you have. A good lawyer can help you put together a defense strategy.

Q: Should I Plead Guilty to a Theft Charge?

A: It’s entirely up to you if you want to plead guilty to a theft charge, but before you make any rash decisions, you should consult the advice of your criminal defense lawyer. They may be able to help you put together a defense that avoids a guilty plea. Pleading guilty will result in a conviction and a criminal record. You need to be certain it’s what you want, as you can’t take it back later.

Q: How Can You Defend Yourself When Accused of Stealing?

A: There are many different ways you can defend yourself when you are accused of stealing. First and foremost, remain calm. Then, contact a defense lawyer as soon as you can. They can help you make sense of this situation and inform you of your options. Gather as much evidence as you can that supports your story.

Q: Can Theft Charges Be Dropped?

A: Yes, it’s possible for theft charges to be dropped or reduced, but there is never a guarantee. You should still mount a strong defense without relying on that possibility. The decision to drop all charges rests with the District Attorney’s office. If their case against you is strong, they may not drop the charges.

Contact ​​Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C. Today

At Jarrett Maillet J.D., P.C., we can help you build a defense against theft charges. Contact us to speak to a valued team member about your case today.